Father and son mechanic team 'desperately' searching for new premises

A father and son are "desperately" looking for new premises after a developer bought the land where they have owned their garage for 32 years.

Gerry Loader and his son Steve ran the Motafix garage in Park Road, Bushey, for more than 40 years.

They were forced to close on January 9 after a developer bought the lease for the land.

An application for the redevelopment of land to build six one-bedroom apartments and one house has been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council.

Mr Loader, 74, said he was saddened to leave, but will not give up on finding a new place to trade.

He said: "I have been in the trade since I was 14 and it is more than just my job it is also a hobby.

"Some of our customers have been with us for 40 years or more and even give us blank cheques, now that’s trust for you.

"We have people as far away as Norfolk and the edge of Scotland plus the New Forest who come to us when they visit.

"It is sad that we have closed by being shut down through no fault of our own."

Mr Loader said the garage has never advertised, and has relied on word of mouth for business.

He continued: "Customers came to me in tears when they found out we were closing. It was quite embarrassing going into the local shops and having people express their disgust at the situation.

"The stress of the situation has taken its toll but it will not stop me from working and I am desperately trying to find another place.

"The trust that the customers have in us is amazing, you can’t knock being trusted."

Steve Loader, 54, said he is staying positive about finding a new premise but it is looking worrying.

He said: "We are trying to stay positive about finding somewhere, it does get you down but it’s important to pick yourself up and carry on.

"Small businesses are being knocked down all over the place for large developments and we are all suffering. We are trying to find somewhere that our customers will like and be able to get to OK, because at the end of the day it is them we care about."

Mr Loader said he feels lucky to have been able to work with his father for all of these years.

He continued: "I hope I will be able to continue working with my dad.

"It is also quite unique being able to call our customers friends, and we would like to thank them for their continued support."

The father and son duo are currently looking for a new premises and hope to be back in business as soon as possible.